For Immediate ReleaseOffice of the Press SecretaryContact: 202-282-8010

Washington, D.C. - Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the fiscal year 2010 Preparedness Grants for nine federal programs—including critical infrastructure-related grants—totaling nearly $790 million to assist state, local and tribal governments and the private sector in strengthening preparedness for acts of terrorism, major disasters and other emergencies.

"These grants play a major role in our efforts to work with our state, local, tribal and territorial and private sector partners to build a national culture of readiness and resilience," said Secretary Napolitano. "We continue to focus on maximizing efficiency and value while prioritizing risk in awarding grants to strengthen our nation’s security."

The critical infrastructure and preparedness grants announced today include specific steps undertaken by DHS to improve the ability of grant applicants to maximize funding and also incorporate input from state, local, tribal and territorial and private sector partners. Awards will be made on a rolling basis over the summer.

Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP) – $48 million to increase preparedness capabilities of jurisdictions responsible for safeguarding critical infrastructure sites and key resource assets, such as chemical facilities and nuclear power plants.

Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Grant Program– $57.6 million to support the construction or renovation of Emergency Operations Centers to improve state, local or tribal emergency management and preparedness capabilities to ensure continuity of operations during disasters.

Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP) – $48 million to assist governments in carrying out initiatives identified in Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans and improve interoperable emergency communications used to respond to natural disasters and acts of terrorism.

Driver’s License Security Grant Program (DLSGP) – $48 million to help states and territories improve security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards in order to reduce fraud, enhance the reliability and accuracy of personal identification documents and prevent terrorism.